Fatal Early-Morning Collision
On August 31, 2025, at approximately 4:45 a.m., Gavin Maas, 26, struck and killed 37-year-old jogger Anthony Miller while driving on South 27th Street in Lincoln, Nebraska. Miller was jogging with his wife, Bailey, who wore reflective gear that allowed Maas to spot her and provide ample road space.
Miller, however, ran in the middle of the road wearing dark clothing without reflective gear in the predawn darkness. The collision occurred almost simultaneously with Maas spotting him. Maas immediately exited his vehicle and attempted life-saving measures, but Miller suffered life-threatening injuries. Paramedics transported him to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Lawsuit Seeks Damages for PTSD
Maas filed a complaint on April 6, 2026, in Lancaster County District Court against Miller’s estate. He seeks at least $50,000 for sustained permanent physical and emotional injuries, primarily severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Since the crash, Maas has required multiple hospitalizations and completed a 21-day PTSD rehabilitation program at an out-of-state facility. The suit claims his brain and body will never recover to their pre-incident state, necessitating intensive therapy, medication, and lifelong treatment for symptoms including suicidal ideations and dissociative episodes.
The complaint notes Maas’s compounded trauma from guilt over his PTSD while the Miller family grieves their loss. His attorney, Sam Colwell, stated that an insurance company wrongly denied coverage for Maas’s well-documented PTSD. Colwell emphasized that Maas does not seek payment from the estate but expects insurers to fulfill policy obligations.
“He is mortified that an insurance company forced him into this position and wishes that he could just return to his normal life as a 26-year-old middle school teacher,” Colwell added. Maas teaches at Irving Middle School, where he coaches wrestling, basketball, and track. He maintains strong faith and prays nightly for the Miller family and guidance through treatment.
Anthony Miller’s Legacy
Miller, an award-winning nurse at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, left behind his wife Bailey and two young daughters, ages one and three. His obituary highlights his love for fatherhood, playing dolls, make-believe, dress-up, and hair braiding with his girls. An outdoors enthusiast and extreme sports fan, Miller embodied selflessness, grace, and faith.
“He leaves behind a legacy of selflessness, grace and unwavering belief in God’s promises,” the obituary states. “Though his absence is deeply felt, we take comfort in knowing that Anthony is now in the presence of his Savior, whom he loved and served so faithfully.”
Investigation Outcome
Lincoln police investigated and filed no charges against Maas, determining he was not impaired. The case proceeds in civil court.
